Receiving device, receiving method, transmitting device, and transmitting method

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a receiving device including: a first receiving section configured to receive audio visual contents capable of a download reservation and transmitted in non-real time; a recording section configured to record the audio visual contents that have been downloaded; an obtaining section configured to obtain an application program for executing a process related to the audio visual contents; and an executing section configured to execute the process related to the audio visual contents on a basis of control information included in the application program.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/711,526, filed on Oct. 9, 2012, the entirecontent of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present technology relates to a receiving device, a receivingmethod, a transmitting device, and a transmitting method, andparticularly to a receiving device, a receiving method, a transmittingdevice, and a transmitting method that can provide a common controlsystem for executing processes related to NRT (Non Real Time) contents.

ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) is used as a standard fordigital television broadcasting in North America, Mexico, South Korea,and the like. A BML (Broadcast Markup Language) document described inBML is used in data broadcasting operated in digital televisionbroadcasting in Japan. ATSC2.0, which is a next-generation standard ofATSC, is set to use HTML documents described in HTML (Hyper Text MarkupLanguage).

Application programs described in the HTML documents are not onlyprovided by a broadcaster but also provided by other entities than thebroadcaster, such as a content production company and various kinds ofproviders, for example.

In addition, multiple channels or high-definition television broadcastsare generally received in digital television broadcasting. Meanwhile,technology consideration and system development are under way to enablemore advanced broadcasting service desired by users in addition toordinary television broadcasting using an available band in digitaltelevision broadcasting.

Functions desired by users include on-demand viewing, which allows auser to view AV (Audio Visual) contents such as a television program orthe like when the user desires to view the AV contents. However, it hasbeen considered to be difficult to realize the on-demand viewing inbroadcasting of unidirectional transmission rather than bidirectionaltransmission.

Accordingly, providing an NRT (Non Real Time) broadcasting service foronce recording and then reproducing AV contents transmitted by broadcastwaves on an assumption that a receiving device has a mass storage hasbeen considered in order to enable on-demand viewing in broadcasting ofunidirectional transmission (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.2011-41242, for example). Incidentally, in the following description, AVcontents provided by the NRT service will be referred to as NRTcontents.

SUMMARY

An application program composed of an HTML document used in compliancewith ATSC2.0 operates on a browser started by a receiving device.Functions for executing processes related to NRT contents are scheduledto be provided as functions thereof.

However, when application programs are provided by a plurality ofentities other than the broadcaster, HTML documents are created for eachof the entities. There is thus a desire to provide a common controlsystem for executing processes related to NRT contents.

The present technology has been made in view of such a situation, and isto make it possible to provide a common control system for executingprocesses related to NRT contents.

A receiving device according to a first aspect of the present technologyincludes: a first receiving section configured to receive AV contentscapable of a download reservation and transmitted in non-real time; arecording section configured to record the AV contents that have beendownloaded; an obtaining section configured to obtain an applicationprogram for executing a process related to the AV contents; and anexecuting section configured to execute the process related to the AVcontents on a basis of control information included in the applicationprogram.

When a predetermined event has occurred during execution of theapplication program, the executing section executes the process relatedto the AV contents according to the event that has occurred.

The control information is a function for reserving a download of the AVcontents, and when the AV contents whose download is to be reserved arespecified, the executing section reserves a download of the specified AVcontents.

The control information is a function for cancelling a reservation for adownload of the AV contents, and when the AV contents to be cancelledare specified, the executing section cancels the reservation for adownload of the specified AV contents.

The control information is a function for obtaining a download state ofthe AV contents whose download is reserved, and when an instruction toobtain the download state is given, the executing section obtains thedownload state.

The control information is a function for obtaining detailed informationon the downloaded AV contents, and when an instruction to obtain thedetailed information is given, the executing section obtains thedetailed information.

The control information is a function for performing an immediatedownload of the AV contents, and when the immediate download of the AVcontents whose download is to be reserved is specified, the executingsection performs the specified immediate download of the AV contents.

The control information is a function for stopping a download of the AVcontents, and when an instruction to stop the download of the AVcontents is given, the executing section stops the download of the AVcontents.

The control information is a function for deleting the downloaded AVcontents and related information related to the AV contents, and whenthe AV contents to be deleted are specified, the executing sectiondeletes the specified AV contents and the related information.

The control information is a function for updating download informationon a download of the AV contents, the download information beingtransmitted periodically together with the AV contents, and when aninstruction to update the download information is given, the executingsection obtains and updates the download information.

The control information is a function for obtaining recording spaceinformation on a recording space of the recording section, and when aninstruction to obtain the recording space information is given, theexecuting section obtains the recording space information.

The application program is an HTML document described in HTML (HyperText Markup Language), and the control information is a functiondescribed as a script in the HTML document.

The obtaining section obtains the HTML document transmitted from aninformation processing device managed by another entity than an entityproviding the AV contents.

The first receiving section receives the AV contents transmitted bybroadcast waves.

A second receiving section configured to receive the AV contentsdistributed via the Internet when the AV contents transmitted by thebroadcast waves cannot be received is further provided.

The executing section identifies the target AV contents by identifyinginformation identifying the AV contents, the identifying informationbeing included in download information on a download of the AV contents,the download information being transmitted periodically together withthe AV contents.

The download information is an NRT-IT (Non Real Time Information Table),and the identifying information is a Content Linkage included in theNRT-IT.

The receiving device may be an independent device, or may be an internalblock forming one device.

A receiving method according to the first aspect of the presenttechnology is a receiving method corresponding to the receiving deviceaccording to the first aspect of the present technology.

In the receiving device and the receiving method according to the firstaspect of the present technology, AV contents capable of a downloadreservation and transmitted in non-real time are received, recording ofthe AV contents that have been downloaded in a recording section iscontrolled, an application program for executing a process related tothe AV contents is obtained, and the process related to the AV contentsis executed on a basis of control information included in theapplication program.

A transmitting device according to a second aspect of the presenttechnology includes: a generating section configured to generate anapplication program including control information for executing aprocess related to AV contents capable of a download reservation andtransmitted in non-real time; and a transmitting section configured totransmit the application program.

The transmitting device may be an independent device, or may be aninternal block forming one device.

A transmitting method according to the second aspect of the presenttechnology is a transmitting method corresponding to the transmittingdevice according to the second aspect of the present technology.

In the transmitting device and the transmitting method according to thesecond aspect of the present technology, an application programincluding control information for executing a process related to AVcontents capable of a download reservation and transmitted in non-realtime is generated, and the application program is transmitted.

According to the first aspect and the second aspect of the presenttechnology, a common control system for executing processes related toNRT contents can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of configuration of abroadcasting-communication cooperation system;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of configuration of atransmitting device;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of configuration of a receivingdevice;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of functional configuration of abrowser;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of configuration of anapplication server;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of transitions of a screendisplayed on a display;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing details of DOs;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing details of events;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing relation between screen transitions andevents;

FIG. 10 is a diagram of assistance in explaining areserveNRTContentDownload function;

FIG. 11 is a diagram of assistance in explaining acancelNRTContentDownloadReservation function;

FIG. 12 is a diagram of assistance in explaining agetNRTContentDownloadStatus function;

FIG. 13 is a diagram of assistance in explaining anexecuteNRTContentDownload function;

FIG. 14 is a diagram of assistance in explaining acancelNRTContentDownload function;

FIG. 15 is a diagram of assistance in explaining a deleteNRTContentfunction;

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a getNRTContentInformation function;

FIG. 17 is a diagram of assistance in explaining a getCurrentNRTITfunction;

FIG. 18 is a diagram of assistance in explaining a getStorageInfofunction;

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of description of a script;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of assistance in explaining a transmittingprocess;

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of configuration of an NRT-IT;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of assistance in explaining a receiving process;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of assistance in explaining an NRT contentsrelated process;

FIG. 24 is a diagram of assistance in explaining details of an eventcorresponding process;

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of screen transitions of thereceiving device;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of assistance in explaining an NRT contentsdownloading process;

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of assistance in explaining an NDO applicationdistributing process; and

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of configuration of a computer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

An embodiment of the present technology will hereinafter be describedwith reference to the drawings.

<Example of Configuration of Broadcasting-Communication CooperationSystem>

FIG. 1 shows an example of configuration of a broadcasting-communicationcooperation system 1. This broadcasting-communication cooperation system1 includes a transmitting device 10, a receiving device 20, anapplication server 30, an application server 40, an application server50, a Web server 60, and a distribution server 70.

The receiving device 20, the application server 30, the applicationserver 40, the application server 50, the Web server 60, and thedistribution server 70 are interconnected via the Internet 90.

The transmitting device 10 transmits (broadcasts) broadcast contentssuch as a television program, a commercial, or the like by a digitaltelevision broadcast signal (hereinafter referred to simply as abroadcast signal). The broadcast signal is transmitted as a normalbroadcast or an NRT broadcast.

In this case, the normal broadcast refers to a broadcast assumingreal-time viewing on the receiving device 20 receiving the broadcastsignal. The NRT (Non Real Time) broadcast refers to a broadcast notassuming real-time viewing, and transmits the data of NRT contents by abroadcast signal. Incidentally, in the NRT broadcast, NRT contents aretransmitted using a FLUTE (File Delivery over Unidirectional Transport)session. Details of FLUTE are defined as RFC3926.

In addition, the transmitting device 10 periodically transmits an NRT-IT(Non Real Time Information Table) together with the broadcast contents.

In addition, the transmitting device 10 transmits trigger information ina state of being included in the broadcast signal. The triggerinformation in this case is information for controlling the operation ofan application program executed so as to be operatively associated withthe broadcast contents. The application program executed according tothe trigger information will hereinafter be referred to as a TDO(Triggered Declarative Object) application.

Incidentally, the transmitting device 10 is managed by a broadcaster.

The receiving device 20 is a receiver such as a television receiver orthe like. The receiving device 20 receives the broadcast signaltransmitted from the transmitting device 10, and thereby obtains thevideo and audio of the broadcast contents. The receiving device 20displays the video of the broadcast contents on a display, and outputsthe audio of the broadcast contents from a speaker.

In addition, when the receiving device 20 reserved a download of NRTcontents on the basis of the NRT-IT from the transmitting device 10, thereceiving device 20 starts to receive the broadcast signal of the NRTbroadcast at a time of a start of broadcasting of the target NRTcontents. The receiving device 20 records the data of the NRT contentsobtained from the broadcast signal in a recording section (storage). Inaddition, when an instruction to view the NRT contents is given, thereceiving device 20 reads and reproduces the NRT contents recorded inthe recording section.

Incidentally, the receiving device 20 can be remotely controlled byusing a remote control 20R. In addition, the receiving device 20 isinstalled in the house of a user.

The application server 30 manages a TDO application composed of an HTMLdocument for data broadcasting. The HTML document for data broadcastingin this case refers to an HTML document executed to realize service fordata broadcasting.

The application server 30 provides the TDO application in response to arequest from the receiving device 20 that has accessed the applicationserver 30 via the Internet 90. The application server 30 is managed bythe broadcaster.

The application server 40 manages an NDO application composed of an HTMLdocument for data broadcasting. The NDO (NRT Declarative Object)application in this case is an application program for providing aprocess related to NRT contents. However, unlike the TDO application,the NDO application is not executed according to trigger information.

The application server 40 provides the NDO application in response to arequest from the receiving device 20 that has accessed the applicationserver 40 via the Internet 90. The application server 40 is managed byanother entity than the broadcaster.

The application server 50 manages a PDO application composed of an HTMLdocument for data broadcasting. The PDO (Plain Declarative Object)application in this case is an application program executable only by aparticular browser.

The application server 50 provides the PDO application in response to arequest from the receiving device 20 that has accessed the applicationserver 50 via the Internet 90. The application server 50 is managed byanother entity than the broadcaster.

Incidentally, details of the TDO application, the NDO application, andthe PDO application will be described later. These application programscan also be transmitted by broadcast waves using a FLUTE session.

The Web server 60 manages a Web page composed of an HTML document for ahomepage. The HTML document for the homepage in this case refers to anHTML document for presenting the Web page.

The Web server 60 provides the Web page in response to a request fromthe receiving device 20 that has accessed the Web server 60 via theInternet 90. The Web server 60 is managed by another entity than thebroadcaster.

The receiving device 20 obtains the TDO application from the applicationserver 30 according to the trigger information from the transmittingdevice 10, and controls the operation thereof.

In addition, the receiving device 20 accesses the application server 40via the Internet 90, obtains the NDO application, and executes the NDOapplication. Further, the receiving device 20 accesses the applicationserver 50 via the Internet 90, obtains the PDO application, and executesthe PDO application.

As a result of these, the receiving device 20 displays video generatedby superimposing the video of the HTML document for data broadcasting onthe video of the broadcast contents.

In addition, the receiving device 20 accesses the Web server 60 via theInternet 90, obtains the Web page, and executes the Web page. Thereceiving device 20 thereby displays the video of the HTML document forthe homepage.

The distribution server 70 stores NRT contents such as a televisionprogram or the like distributable on a VOD (Video On Demand) basis viathe Internet 90. The distribution server 70 distributes the NRT contentsvia the Internet in response to a request from the receiving device 20.Incidentally, the distribution server 70 is managed by a distributorthat is the same as or different from the broadcaster.

The receiving device 20 obtains the video and audio of the NRT contentsdistributed from the distribution server 70. The receiving device 20displays the video of the NRT contents on the display, and outputs theaudio of the NRT contents from the speaker.

Incidentally, while FIG. 1 shows only one receiving device 20 for thesimplicity of description, the broadcasting-communication cooperationsystem 1 actually includes a plurality of receiving devices 20, andthese receiving devices 20 receive the broadcast contents from thetransmitting device 10 or the communication contents from thedistribution server 70.

Similarly, while FIG. 1 shows one transmitting device 10 and oneapplication server 30, a plurality of transmitting devices 10 and aplurality of application servers 30 are actually provided for eachbroadcaster. In addition, a plurality of application servers 40, aplurality of application servers 50, a plurality of Web servers 60, anda plurality of distribution servers 70 are actually provided for eachentity.

The broadcasting-communication cooperation system 1 is configured asdescribed above.

<Example of Configuration of Transmitting Device>

FIG. 2 shows an example of configuration of the transmitting device 10in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the transmitting device 10 includes an audioobtaining section 111, an audio encoder 112, a video obtaining section113, a trigger information generating section 114, a video encoder 115,a download information generating section 116, a multiplexing section117, and a transmitting section 118.

The audio obtaining section 111 obtains the audio signal of broadcastcontents from an external server, a microphone, a recording medium, orthe like, and supplies the audio signal to the audio encoder 112.

The audio encoder 112 encodes the audio signal supplied from the audioobtaining section 111 in conformity to an encoding system such as MPEG(Moving Picture Experts Group) 2 or the like, and supplies a resultingaudio stream to the multiplexing section 117.

The video obtaining section 113 obtains the video signal of thebroadcast contents from the external server, a camera, the recordingmedium, or the like, and supplies the video signal to the triggerinformation generating section 114 and the video encoder 115.

The trigger information generating section 114 generates triggerinformation, and supplies the trigger information to the video encoder115. For example, the trigger information is generated according to theprogress of the broadcast contents corresponding to the video signalsupplied from the video obtaining section 113.

The video encoder 115 encodes the video signal supplied from the videoobtaining section 113 in conformity to the encoding system such as MPEG2or the like. In addition, the video encoder 115 arranges the triggerinformation within a video stream obtained by the encoding. For example,the trigger information is arranged within caption data in the user dataarea of the video stream.

The video stream including the trigger information is supplied to themultiplexing section 117.

The download information generating section 116 periodically generatesan NRT-IT on the basis of information on NRT contents, and supplies theNRT-IT to the multiplexing section 117. Incidentally, details of theNRT-IT will be described later with reference to FIG. 21.

The multiplexing section 117 is supplied with the audio stream from theaudio encoder 112, the video stream from the video encoder 115, and theNRT-IT from the download information generating section 116. Themultiplexing section 117 multiplexes the audio stream, the video stream,and the NRT-IT, and supplies a resulting transport stream to thetransmitting section 118.

The transmitting section 118 transmits the transport stream suppliedfrom the multiplexing section 117 as a broadcast signal via an antenna119.

However, as described above, the transmitting device 10 performs thenormal broadcast and the NRT broadcast. The above description withreference to FIG. 2 is description in the case of the normal broadcast.In the case of the NRT broadcast, on the other hand, unlike areservation for recording broadcast contents such as a televisionprogram or the like, NRT contents are transmitted in a time period of awide transmission band of the broadcast signal broadcast by broadcastwaves, for example, and therefore the transmitting device 10 transmitsthe NRT contents using a FLUTE session according to a predetermineddistribution schedule. In addition, when transmitting an applicationprogram such as the NDO application or the like by broadcast waves, thetransmitting device 10 generates the application program, and transmitsthe application program using a FLUTE session.

The transmitting device 10 is configured as described above.

<Example of Configuration of Receiving Device>

FIG. 3 shows an example of configuration of the receiving device 20 inFIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the receiving device 20 includes a tuner 212, ademultiplexing section 213, an audio decoder 214, an audio outputsection 215, a speaker 216, a video decoder 217, a video output section218, a display 219, a trigger information extracting section 220, acontrol section 221, a memory 222, an operating section 223, an infraredreceiving section 224, a recording section 225, a communication I/F 226,a browser 227-1, a browser 227-2, and a stream processing section 228.

The tuner 212 demodulates a broadcast signal received via an antenna211, and supplies a resulting transport stream to the demultiplexingsection 213.

When the broadcast signal of the normal broadcast is received, thedemultiplexing section 213 separates the transport stream supplied fromthe tuner 212 into an audio stream and a video stream, and supplies theaudio stream and the video stream to the audio decoder 214 and the videodecoder 217, respectively. In addition, when the broadcast signal of theNRT broadcast is received, the demultiplexing section 213 supplies theseparated audio stream and the separated video signal to the recordingsection 225. Further, when an application program such as the NDOapplication or the like is transmitted by broadcast waves, thedemultiplexing section 213 obtains the application program, and suppliesthe application program to the recording section 225.

Incidentally, when an NRT-IT is separated from the transport stream, thedemultiplexing section 213 supplies the NRT-IT to the control section221.

The audio decoder 214 decodes the audio stream supplied from thedemultiplexing section 213 by a decoding system corresponding to theencoding system of the audio encoder 112 (FIG. 2) such as MPEG2 or thelike, and supplies a resulting audio signal to the audio output section215.

The audio output section 215 supplies the audio signal supplied from theaudio decoder 214 to the speaker 216. The speaker 216 outputs audiocorresponding to the audio signal supplied from the audio output section215.

The video decoder 217 decodes the video stream supplied from thedemultiplexing section 213 by a decoding system corresponding to theencoding system of the video encoder 115 (FIG. 2) such as MPEG2 or thelike, and supplies a resulting video signal to the video output section218 and the trigger information extracting section 220.

The video output section 218 supplies the video signal supplied from thevideo decoder 217 to the display 219. The display 219 displays videocorresponding to the video signal supplied from the video output section218.

The trigger information extracting section 220 monitors the video streamdecoded by the video decoder 217 at all times, extracts triggerinformation, and supplies the trigger information to the control section221.

The control section 221 controls the operation of each part of thereceiving device 20 by executing a control program recorded in thememory 222 in advance. In addition, when an NRT-IT is supplied from thedemultiplexing section 213, the control section 221 records the NRT-ITin the memory 222. Incidentally, various kinds of information arerecorded in the memory 222.

The operating section 223 receives various kinds of operation from auser, and notifies operating signals corresponding to the various kindsof operation to the control section 221. The infrared receiving section224 receives an operating signal transmitted by using wirelesscommunication by infrared rays from the remote control 20R (FIG. 1), andnotifies the operating signal to the control section 221. The controlsection 221 controls the operation of each part of the receiving device20 on the basis of the operating signal supplied from the operatingsection 223 or the infrared receiving section 224.

The recording section 225 is formed by a mass storage such as an HDD(Hard Disk Drive) or the like.

When the broadcast signal of the NRT broadcast is received, therecording section 225 is supplied with the audio stream and the videostream from the demultiplexing section 213. The recording section 225records therein the data of the audio stream and the video stream fromthe demultiplexing section 213 under control from the control section221. NRT contents and related information related to the NRT contentsare thereby recorded in the recording section 225.

In addition, when an application program such as the NDO application orthe like is transmitted by broadcast waves using a FLUTE session, therecording section 225 supplies the application program input from thedemultiplexing section 213 to the browser 227-1 or the browser 227-2.

When the control section 221 is supplied with trigger information fromthe trigger information extracting section 220, the control section 221controls the browser 227-1, and controls the operation of the TDOapplication.

In addition, the control section 221 controls the browser 227-1, andcontrols the operation of the NDO application. Further, the controlsection 221 controls the browser 227-2, and controls the operation ofthe PDO application.

The communication I/F 226 accesses the application server 30 via theInternet 90 to receive the TDO application under control from thebrowser 227-1. The communication I/F 226 supplies the TDO application tothe browser 227-1.

The browser 227-1 controls the operation of the TDO application from therecording section 225 or the communication I/F 226 under control fromthe control section 221. The browser 227-1 generates a video signal fordata broadcasting by executing the TDO application, and supplies thevideo signal to the video output section 218.

In addition, the communication I/F 226 accesses the application server40 via the Internet 90 to receive the NDO application under control fromthe browser 227-1. The communication I/F 226 supplies the NDOapplication to the browser 227-1.

The browser 227-1 generates a video signal for data broadcasting byexecuting the NDO application from the recording section 225 or thecommunication I/F 226, and supplies the video signal to the video outputsection 218, under control from the control section 221.

In addition, the communication I/F 226 accesses the Web server 60 viathe Internet 90 to receive a Web page under control from the browser227-1. The communication I/F 226 supplies the Web page to the browser227-1.

The browser 227-1 generates a video signal representing a homepage orthe like by executing the Web page from the communication I/F 226, andsupplies the video signal to the video output section 218, under controlfrom the control section 221.

Incidentally, a detailed configuration of the browser 227-1 will bedescribed later with reference to FIG. 4.

The communication I/F 226 accesses the application server 50 via theInternet 90 to receive the PDO application under control from thebrowser 227-2. The communication I/F 226 supplies the PDO application tothe browser 227-2.

The browser 227-2 is for example a particular browser defined in“BrowserProfileA” of NRT1.0. The browser 227-2 generates a video signalfor data broadcasting by executing the PDO application from therecording section 225 or the communication I/F 226, and supplies thevideo signal to the video output section 218, under control from thecontrol section 221.

The video output section 218 synthesizes the video signal supplied fromthe video decoder 217 and the video signal supplied from the browser227-1 or the browser 227-2, and displays it on the display 219.

When NRT contents are transmitted via the Internet, the streamprocessing section 228 separates the stream of the NRT contentsdistributed from the distribution server 70 into an audio stream and avideo stream, and records the audio stream and the video stream in therecording section 225. The NRT contents distributed via the Internet andrelated information related to the NRT contents are thereby recorded inthe recording section 225.

The recording section 225 supplies the audio stream and the video streamthat are recorded in the recording section 225 to the audio decoder 214and the video decoder 217, respectively, under control from the controlsection 221. The NRT contents are thereby reproduced when an instructionto reproduce the NRT contents is given from the user.

The receiving device 20 is configured as described above.

<Example of Functional Configuration of Browser>

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of functional configuration ofthe browser 227-1 in FIG. 3.

The browser 227-1 includes a control portion 251, an applicationobtaining portion 252, an event determining portion 253, and a functionexecuting portion 254.

The control portion 251 controls the operation of each part of thebrowser 227-1 under control from the control section 221 (FIG. 3).

The application obtaining portion 252 controls the communication I/F 226to obtain the NDO application from the application server 40. Theapplication obtaining portion 252 starts and executes the obtained NDOapplication under control from the control portion 251.

The event determining portion 253 determines under control from thecontrol portion 251 whether a predetermined event has occurred duringthe execution of the NDO application. The event determining portion 253supplies a result of the event determination to the function executingportion 254.

The function executing portion 254 executes a function described as ascript in the NDO application (HTML document for data broadcasting)being executed according to the event determination result from theevent determining portion 253.

For example, a predetermined function is defined as a script in apredetermined script language such as JavaScript (registered trademark)or the like. Not only a function standardized by a predeterminedstandard but also a function for executing a process related to NRTcontents is defined as this function. Details of the latter functionwill be described later with reference to FIGS. 10 to 18.

Incidentally, the description with reference to FIG. 4 has been madeonly of a case where the browser 227-1 executes the NDO application inorder to simplify the description, and description of cases where thebrowser 227-1 executes the TDO application and the Web page is omitted.

The browser 227-1 is configured as described above.

<Example of Configuration of Application Server>

FIG. 5 shows an example of configuration of the application server 40 inFIG. 1.

The application server 40 includes a control section 411, an applicationgenerating section 412, a recording section 413, and a communication I/F414.

The control section 411 controls the operation of each part of theapplication server 40.

The application generating section 412 generates the NDO application,and records the NDO application in the recording section 413, undercontrol from the control section 411.

When the NDO application is requested from the receiving device 20, thecontrol section 411 reads and obtains the NDO application from therecording section 413. The control section 411 controls thecommunication I/F 414 so as to transmit the NDO application to thereceiving device 20 via the Internet 90.

The application server 40 is configured as described above.

Incidentally, the application server 30 and the application server 50shown in FIG. 1 are basically configured in a similar manner to theapplication server 40 of FIG. 5, and therefore description thereof willbe omitted.

Specifically, the application server 30 generates the TDO application inplace of the NDO application, and the application server 50 generatesthe PDO application in place of the NDO application.

<Method of Management of Application Programs>

A method of management of application programs will next be describedwith reference to FIGS. 6 to 9. FIG. 6 shows transitions of a screendisplayed on the display 219 of the receiving device 20 by executing theabove-described application programs. An example of assumed use caseswill next be described with reference to FIG. 6.

In FIG. 6, UI1 to UI12 (excluding UI8 and UI9) denote a user interface(User Interface, which will hereinafter be abbreviated to a UI)displayed on the display 219 of the receiving device 20. In addition, adotted line L1 in FIG. 6 represents a boundary between foregroundprocessing and background processing. The processing performed on UI8and UI9 on the inside of the region of the dotted line L1 is performedinternally without being displayed on the display 219.

In addition, A to E in FIG. 6 denote an event for making a transition toa certain UI, and a to n in FIG. 6 denote an event for making atransition from a certain UI to a next UI. Further, a dotted line L2 inFIG. 6 represents a boundary line between management modes. Themanagement modes are set such that particular processing can beperformed on the outside of the boundary, whereas the particularprocessing cannot be performed on the inside of the boundary.

Specifically, application programs obtained via the Internet 90 andexecuted in the receiving device 20 include not only an applicationprogram provided by the broadcaster but also application programsprovided by other entities. Thus, from the viewpoint of operationthereof, particular processing implemented by the application programsprovided by the other entities than the broadcaster needs to be limited.

Accordingly, when the receiving device 20 executes an HTML documentdescribing an application program managed by the broadcaster such forexample as the TDO application obtained from the application server 30which TDO application is provided by the broadcaster, the execution ofparticular processing by the HTML document is permitted.

Conversely, when the receiving device 20 executes an HTML documentdescribing an application program not managed by the broadcaster, suchfor example as the PDO application obtained from the application server50 which PDO application is provided by another entity or the Web pageobtained from the Web server 60, the execution of the particularprocessing by the HTML document is limited.

Specifically, “Broadcast Managed,” which permits the particularprocessing to be performed using an HTML document for data broadcasting,is set as a management mode on the outside of the boundary of the dottedline L2 in FIG. 6, while “Broadcast Unmanaged,” which does not permitthe particular processing to be performed using an HTML document fordata broadcasting or an HTML document for a homepage, is set as amanagement mode on the inside of the boundary.

Incidentally, “TDO,” “NDO,” and “PDO” in FIG. 6 correspond to the TDOapplication, the NDO application, and the PDO application, respectively.The limitation of authority is increased in order of PDO, NDO, and TDO,as shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, each DO (Declarative Object) has thefollowing characteristics.

The TDO (Triggered Declarative Object) is a DO having the strongestauthority among the three DOs, and is an object which can be handled byonly the broadcaster. In addition, the TDO is the TDO applicationcomposed of an HTML document for data broadcasting, and is assumed to beexecuted according to trigger information in such a manner as to beoperatively associated with broadcast contents such as a televisionprogram or the like.

In addition, because the TDO is a DO handled by the broadcaster,“Broadcast Managed” is invariably set as a management mode for the TDO.

The NDO (NRT Declarative Object) is a DO having the second strongestauthority next to the TDO, and is an object which can be handled byanother entity than the broadcaster, such as a content productioncompany, a provider providing an NRT service, or the like. Further, theNDO is the NDO application composed of an HTML document for databroadcasting, and is assumed to be not only executed in such a manner asto be operatively associated with broadcast contents such as atelevision program or the like but also executed singly without beingoperatively associated with broadcast contents. For example, when theNDO is provided by an independent data broadcasting channel, the NDO isexecuted independently without being operatively associated withbroadcast contents.

In addition, two kinds of NDOs, that is, NDOs licensed from thebroadcaster and NDOs not licensed from the broadcaster, are assumed. Asfor management modes for these NDOs, “Broadcast Managed” is set to anNDO licensed from the broadcaster, and “Broadcast Unmanaged” is set toan NDO not licensed from the broadcaster. However, in the example ofFIG. 6, description will be made only of an NDO licensed from thebroadcaster. That is, in this case, “Broadcast Managed” is invariablyset as a management mode for the NDO.

The PDO (Plain Declarative Object) is a DO which has the weakestauthority among the three DOs, and is an object which can be displayed(executed) only by a specific application program (browser 227-2 in FIG.3). For example, the PDO is the PDO application composed of an HTMLdocument for data broadcasting, and can be displayed only by a browserdefined in “BrowserProfileA” of NRT1.0. In addition, the PDO is anobject that can be handled by another entity than the broadcaster, suchas a content production company (for example a so-called third party) orthe like.

In addition, as with NDOs, two kinds of PDOs, that is, PDOs licensedfrom the broadcaster and PDOs not licensed from the broadcaster, areassumed. However, in the example of FIG. 6, description will be madeonly of a PDO not licensed from the broadcaster. That is, in this case,“Broadcast Unmanaged” is invariably set as a management mode for thePDO.

Incidentally, FIG. 8 lists descriptions of the events A to E in FIG. 6,and FIG. 9 lists relations between UI1 to UI12 and the events a to n inFIG. 6. These drawings will be referred to as appropriate in thefollowing description with reference to FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the user selects a predetermined channel as theevent A, UI1 of a television program or the like on the selected channelis displayed on the display 219 (description of the event A in FIG. 8).In addition, when the receiving device 20 has received triggerinformation from the transmitting device 10 during the display of UI1,the receiving device 20 obtains the TDO application from the applicationserver 30, and displays the TDO application in such a manner as to besuperimposed on the video of the television program (description of theevent a of UI1 in FIG. 9).

Because UI2 is on the outside of the boundary of the dotted line L2,“Broadcast Managed” is set as a management mode, and the particularprocessing can be performed by using the TDO application. That is, theTDO application is obtained by the application server 30 managed by thebroadcaster, so that the particular processing is permitted.

In addition, when the receiving device 20 has received triggerinformation during the display of UI2, the receiving device 20 obtainsand displays a new TDO application (description of the event b of UI2 inFIG. 9). The video of the TDO application superimposed on the video ofthe television program is thereby updated. Further, when the receivingdevice 20 has received the PDO application from the application server50 during the display of UI2, the particular browser displays UI11 onthe display 219 (description of the event e of UI2 in FIG. 9). Inaddition, when the user selects the PDO application as the event C, UI11is displayed on the display 219.

Further, when the user selects another PDO application during thedisplay of UI11, the PDO application is received from the applicationserver 50, and the display of UI11 is updated (description of the eventh of UI11 in FIG. 9). In addition, when the user selects a Web pageduring the display of UI11, the Web page is received from the Web server60, and UI12 is displayed on the display 219 (description of the event iof UI11 in FIG. 9).

Because UI11 and UI12 are on the inside of the boundary of the dottedline L2, “Broadcast Unmanaged” is set as a management mode, and theparticular processing cannot be performed using the PDO application orthe Web page. That is, the PDO application or the Web page is obtainedfrom the application server 50 or the Web server 60 not managed by thebroadcaster, so that the particular processing is limited.

In addition, when the user has selected a start of reproduction of NRTcontents during the display of UI2, UI7 of the NRT contents beingreproduced is displayed on the display 219 (description of the event cof UI2 in FIG. 9). On the other hand, when the user selects stopping ofthe NRT contents being reproduced during the display of UI7, the NRTcontents being reproduced are stopped, and the display of the display219 returns to UI2 before the reproduction (description of the event cof UI7 in FIG. 9).

Incidentally, when the user selects a reservation for a download of NRTcontents during the display of UI2, a process for reserving a downloadof the NRT contents is executed (description of the event d of UI8 inFIG. 9). At this time, when a procedure for subscribing to an NRTservice to view the NRT contents is performed, a subscribing procedureprocess is executed (description of the event d of UI9 in FIG. 9).However, these processes are executed as background processing.

When the user presses an EPG button provided to the remote control 20Ras the event B, UI3 of an electronic program listing (EPG (ElectronicProgram Guide)) is displayed on the display 219. When the user selectsan item whose detailed program information is desired to be displayedfrom the electronic program listing, UI5 of the detailed programinformation is displayed on the display 219 (description of the event fof UI3 in FIG. 9).

In addition, when the user gives an instruction to start the NDOapplication, for example, as the event D, the NDO application isreceived from the application server 40, and UI5 of the NDO applicationis displayed on the display 219.

Because UI5 is on the outside of the boundary of the dotted line L2,“Broadcast Managed” is set as a management mode, and the particularprocessing can be performed using the NDO application. That is, the NDOapplication is obtained from the application server 40 managed byanother entity, but is licensed from the broadcaster, so that theparticular processing is permitted.

In addition, when the user selects desired NRT contents from a list ofNRT contents, for example, during the display of UI5, a download of theNRT contents is reserved (description of the event n of UI5 in FIG. 9).In addition, the process of a procedure for subscribing to the NRTservice (description of the event n of UI9 in FIG. 9) is executed asrequired together with the process of the download reservation(description of the event n of UI8 in FIG. 9). However, these processesare executed as background processing. Incidentally, the download of theselected NRT contents may be started immediately without the downloadreservation being made.

When the download of the NRT contents is completed or the NRT contentshave already been downloaded, and the user has selected a start ofreproduction of the NRT contents, UI7 of the NRT contents beingreproduced is displayed on the display 219 (description of the event mof UI5 in FIG. 9). On the other hand, when the user selects stopping ofthe NRT contents being reproduced on UI7, the NRT contents beingreproduced are stopped, and the display of the display 219 returns toUI5 before the reproduction (description of the event m of UI7 in FIG.9).

Incidentally, when the user selects the PDO application during thedisplay of UI5, the PDO application is received from the applicationserver 50, and UI11 is displayed on the display 219 (description of theevent g of UI5 in FIG. 9).

Further, when the user presses an NRT button provided to the remotecontrol 20R as the event E, UI6 of a portal for NRT contents isdisplayed on the display 219. When the user selects the NDO applicationfrom the portal during the display of UI6, UI5 is displayed (descriptionof the event j of UI6 in FIG. 9).

Incidentally, when the user selects a reservation for a download of NRTcontents during the display of UI6, a process for reserving a downloadof the NRT contents is executed (description of the event k of UI6 orUI8 in FIG. 9). At this time, the process of a procedure for subscribingto the NRT service is executed as required (description of the event kof UI6 or UI9 in FIG. 9). In addition, when the user has selected astart of reproduction of the NRT contents during the display of UI6, UI7of the NRT contents being reproduced is displayed on the display 219(description of the event 1 of UI6 in FIG. 9). On the other hand, whenthe user selects stopping of the NRT contents during the display of UI7,the NRT contents being reproduced are stopped, and the display of thedisplay 219 returns to UI6 before the reproduction (description of theevent 1 of UI7 in FIG. 9).

As described above, the UIs make transitions according to each use case.In the example of FIG. 6, “Broadcast Managed” is set as a managementmode for the TDO application and the NDO application, while “BroadcastUnmanaged” is set as a management mode for the PDO application and theWeb page.

Incidentally, as described above, the area of the dotted line L2 as themanagement mode setting boundary shown in FIG. 6 is an example. Forexample, the NDO application licensed from the broadcaster isillustrated in FIG. 6. However, in the case of the NDO application notlicensed from the broadcaster, “Broadcast Unmanaged” is set as amanagement mode. In this case, for example, UI5 is disposed on theinside of the boundary of the dotted line L2. In addition, the PDOapplication not licensed from the broadcaster is illustrated in theexample of FIG. 6. However, in the case of the PDO application licensedfrom the broadcaster, “Broadcast Managed” is set as a management mode.In this case, for example, UI11 is disposed on the outside of the dottedline L2.

In short, while “Broadcast Managed” is invariably set to the TDOapplication, the management modes for the other applications, that is,the NDO application and the PDO application change according to thelicense of the broadcaster, and therefore the management mode of one of“Broadcast Managed” and “Broadcast Unmanaged” is arbitrarily set to theNDO application and the PDO application. In addition, “BroadcastUnmanaged” is invariably set as a management mode for a Web page (HTMLfor a homepage).

Incidentally, “Native app” described in FIG. 6 refers to an applicationprogram dedicated to the receiving device (application program executedby the control section 221 in FIG. 3). In addition, “Browser” refers toa browser for viewing Web pages and the like (browser 227-1 in FIG. 3).

<Functions for Executing Processes Related to NRT Contents>

NDO applications are provided by a plurality of entities other than thebroadcaster. Thus, an NDO application is created for each entity. Inaddition, the NDO application composed of an HTML document for databroadcasting operates on the browser 227-1. Functions related to NRTcontents are scheduled to be provided as functions thereof.

A common control system for controlling NRT contents is thereforedesired to be provided in the NDO applications. The present technologyaccordingly makes it possible to provide the common control system for aplurality of entities by defining functions for executing processesrelated to NRT contents as scripts described in an NDO applicationcomposed of an HTML document for data broadcasting.

Details of the functions for providing the common control system will bedescribed in the following.

(Function for Download Reservation)

FIG. 10 is a diagram of assistance in explaining areserveNRTContentDownload function.

As shown in FIG. 10, the reserveNRTContentDownload function is afunction for reserving a download of NRT contents.

The NRT contents whose download is to be reserved are identified by aContent Linkage described in the NRT-IT. Thus, a download of the NRTcontents specified by the Content Linkage is reserved by specifying theContent Linkage as an argument of the function. In addition, as a returnvalue of the function, “true,” which indicates a success in the downloadreservation, “false,” which indicates a failure in the downloadreservation, or “completion of a tentative reservation,” which indicatesthat the registration of a tentative download reservation is completed,is returned. Incidentally, details of the registration of a tentativereservation will be described later.

(Function for Cancelling Download Reservation)

FIG. 11 is a diagram of assistance in explaining acancelNRTContentDownloadReservation function.

As shown in FIG. 11, the cancelNRTContentDownloadReservation function isa function for cancelling a reservation for a download of NRT contentswhose download has been reserved.

The NRT contents for which to make the cancellation are identified by aContent Linkage described in the NRT-IT. Thus, a reservation for adownload of the NRT contents specified by the Content Linkage iscancelled by specifying the Content Linkage as an argument of thefunction. In addition, as a return value of the function, “true,” whichindicates a success in the download reservation, or “false,” whichindicates a failure in the download reservation, is returned.

(Function for Obtaining Download State)

FIG. 12 is a diagram of assistance in explaining agetNRTContentDownloadStatus function.

As shown in FIG. 12, the getNRTContentDownloadStatus function is afunction for obtaining a download state of NRT contents whose downloadhas been reserved.

The NRT contents whose download state is to be obtained are identifiedby a Content Linkage described in the NRT-IT. Thus, the download stateof the NRT contents specified by the Content Linkage is obtained byspecifying the Content Linkage as an argument of the function. Inaddition, as a return value of the function, a status is returned.

Three kinds of states, that is, “yet to be started,” “being performed,”and “completed” are provided as the status.

“Yet to be started” indicates that a download of the target NRT contentsis not started.

“Being performed” indicates that a download of the target NRT contentsis being performed. However, when the status is “being performed,”information indicating the ratio of a size of already downloaded NRTcontents to a total size of the NRT contents as the download object mayalso be obtained.

“Completed” indicates that a download of the target NRT contents hasbeen completed.

Incidentally, when the Content Linkage of the NRT contents whosedownload state is to be obtained is not specified as an argument of thefunction, a list indicating the download states of all NRT contentswhose download has been reserved is obtained.

(Function for Immediately Executing Download)

FIG. 13 is a diagram of assistance in explaining anexecuteNRTContentDownload function.

As shown in FIG. 13, the executeNRTContentDownload function is afunction for immediately downloading NRT contents.

The NRT contents whose download is to be executed immediately areidentified by a Content Linkage described in the NRT-IT. Thus, adownload of the NRT contents specified by the Content Linkage isperformed immediately by specifying the Content Linkage as an argumentof the function. In addition, as a return value of the function, “true,”which indicates a success in the immediate download execution, or“false,” which indicates a failure in the immediate download execution,is returned.

When a download of the target NRT contents is to be executed immediatelyby the function, the NRT contents transmitted using a FLUTE session areobtained. Specifically, an FDT (File Delivery Table) for sending variouskinds of attribute information of files for the NRT service isperiodically transmitted in FLUTE sessions. Thus, the NRT contents arereconstructed from a plurality of files using index informationdescribed in the FDT. That is, the receiving device 20 can download theNRT contents transmitted by broadcast waves by using a FLUTE session.

Incidentally, when the Content Linkage of the target NRT contents is notspecified as an argument of the function, all NRT contents beingtransmitted using a FLUTE session when the function is executed areobtained. However, at this time, the TDO application may be transmittedusing the FLUTE session. As described above, the TDO application isstarted from trigger information. Therefore suppose that data determinedto be the TDO application on the basis of type information or the likeis not downloaded.

In addition, when the Content Linkage of the target NRT contents isspecified as an argument of the function, and a download of the NRTcontents transmitted using a FLUTE session has failed, the receivingdevice 20 accesses the distribution server 70 according to a URLdescribed in the Internet Location Descriptor included in the NRT-IT.The receiving device 20 then downloads the NRT contents distributed viathe Internet by the distribution server 70.

(Function for Stopping Download)

FIG. 14 is a diagram of assistance in explaining acancelNRTContentDownload function.

As shown in FIG. 14, the cancelNRTContentDownload function is a functionfor stopping a download of NRT contents whose download is immediatelyexecuted by the executeNRTContentDownload function.

The NRT contents whose download is to be stopped are identified by aContent Linkage described in the NRT-IT. Thus, the download of the NRTcontents specified by the Content Linkage is stopped by specifying theContent Linkage as an argument of the function. In addition, as a returnvalue of the function, “true,” which indicates a success in the stoppingof the download, or “false,” which indicates a failure in the stoppingof the download, is returned.

Incidentally, the data of the NRT contents downloaded halfway until thedownload is stopped is discarded. In addition, even when the ContentLinkage of the target NRT contents is not specified as an argument ofthe function, the download being executed at that time is forcefullyterminated.

(Function for Deleting NRT Contents and Related Information Related toNRT Contents)

FIG. 15 is a diagram of assistance in explaining a deleteNRTContentfunction.

As shown in FIG. 15, the deleteNRTContent function is a function fordeleting downloaded NRT contents and related information related to theNRT contents.

The NRT contents to be deleted are identified by a Content Linkagedescribed in the NRT-IT. Thus, the NRT contents specified by the ContentLinkage and the related information related to the NRT contents aredeleted by specifying the Content Linkage as an argument of thefunction. In addition, as a return value of the function, “true,” whichindicates a success in the deletion, or “false,” which indicates afailure in the deletion, is returned.

(Function for Obtaining Detailed Information)

FIG. 16 is a diagram of assistance in explaining agetNRTContentInformation function.

As shown in FIG. 16, the getNRTContentInformation function is a functionfor obtaining detailed information on downloaded NRT contents.

The NRT contents whose detailed information is to be obtained areidentified by a Content Linkage described in the NRT-IT. Thus, detailedinformation on the NRT contents specified by the Content Linkage isobtained by specifying the Content Linkage as an argument of thefunction. In addition, as a return value of the function, the detailedinformation on the target NRT contents is returned.

Incidentally, when the Content Linkage of the target NRT contents is notspecified as an argument of the function, detailed information on alldownloaded NRT contents is obtained.

(Function for Obtaining Latest NRT-IT)

FIG. 17 is a diagram of assistance in explaining a getCurrentNRTITfunction.

As shown in FIG. 17, the getCurrentNRTIT function is a function forobtaining a latest NRT-IT currently transmitted by broadcast waves.Details of the NRT-IT will be described later with reference to FIG. 21.

As a return value of the function, “true,” which indicates a success inthe obtainment of the NRT-IT, or “false,” which indicates a failure inthe obtainment of the NRT-IT, is returned.

(Function for Obtaining Information on Recording Space of RecordingSection)

FIG. 18 is a diagram of assistance in explaining a getStorageInfofunction.

As shown in FIG. 18, the getStorageInfo function is a function forobtaining recording space information on the recording space of therecording section 225.

As a return value of the function, the recording space information isreturned. This recording space information includes information on atotal space and an available space of the recording section 225.

As described above, the functions shown in FIGS. 10 to 18, for example,are defined as functions for executing processes related to NRTcontents. However, the above-described functions are an example, andother functions for executing processes related to NRT contents may bedefined. In addition, while all the functions return a return value inthe above description of the functions, the cancelNRTContentDownloadfunction, the deleteNRTContent function, and the getCurrentNRTITfunction, for example, do not necessarily need to return a return value.

(Example of Description of Script)

An example of description of a script will next be described withreference to FIG. 19.

FIG. 19 shows an example of description of the getStorageInfo function(FIG. 18) described as a script in the NDO application (HTML documentfor data broadcasting).

As shown in FIG. 19, the NDO application is described in HTML. A titleelement and a meta element are described in a head element. The metaelement specifies that JavaScript (registered trademark) be used as ascript.

A SCRIPT element is described in a body element. JavaScriptinstructions, the function, and the like are described in the SCRIPTelement.

In the example of FIG. 19, total_size and used_size are defined asstorage variables to obtain the recording space information includingthe total space and the available space of the recording section 225.The recording space information is obtained by executingstrage.getStorageInfo( ). In addition, the obtained recording spaceinformation is displayed by executing document.write(storage).

As described above, FIG. 19 shows an example of description of thegetStorageInfo function. The other functions described above can also besimilarly described in a SCRIPT element described in the HTML document.

<Details of Concrete Processes Executed in Respective Devices>

Description will next be made of details of concrete processes executedin the respective devices forming the broadcasting-communicationcooperation system 1 of FIG. 1.

(Transmitting Process)

A transmitting process executed by the transmitting device 10 will firstbe described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 20.

In step S111, the audio obtaining section 111 obtains an audio signalcorresponding to the audio of broadcast contents from an external serveror the like. In addition, in step S112, the video obtaining section 113obtains a video signal corresponding to the video of the broadcastcontents from the external server or the like.

In step S113, the trigger information generating section 114 determineswhether to transmit trigger information. When it is determined in stepS113 that trigger information is to be transmitted, the process isadvanced to step S114.

In step S114, the trigger information generating section 114 generatestrigger information according to the progress of the video of the videosignal obtained by the video obtaining section 113. When it isdetermined in step S113 that trigger information is not to betransmitted, on the other hand, the process of step S114 is skipped, andthe process is advanced to step S115.

In step S115, the audio encoder 112 encodes the audio signal obtained bythe audio obtaining section 111.

In step S116, the video encoder 115 encodes the video signal obtained bythe video obtaining section 113. In addition, when the triggerinformation is generated in step S114, the video encoder 115 disposesthe trigger information within caption data in the user data area of avideo stream obtained by the encoding.

In step S117, the download information generating section 116 determineswhether to transmit an NRT-IT. When it is determined in step S117 thatthe NRT-IT is to be transmitted, the process is advanced to step S118.

In step S118, the download information generating section 116 generatesthe NRT-IT on the basis of information on NRT contents whose downloadcan be reserved.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a configuration of the NRT-IT. Attributeinformation at a content level included in one NRT service is describedin the NRT-IT (NRT Information table). For example, attributeinformation in units of NRT contents such as Contents #1, #2, . . . isdescribed in the NRT-IT.

A Service ID for identifying the NRT service is described in the NRT-IT.In addition, the following items are described for a unit of NRTcontents in the NRT-IT.

The name of the NRT contents is described as Content name. Informationfor identifying the NRT contents is described as Content Linkage.Information indicating a starting time and an ending time of the NRTcontents is described as Distribution start/end time.

The size of data of the NRT contents is described as Content length.Information indicating the type of the NRT contents is described asMedia Type. Icon identifying information is described as Icon ContentLinkage.

A language such for example as Japanese or English is described asISO-639 language. Information on video data compression is described inAVC video info. Information on a caption is described in Captionservice. Information on recommendation in regard to the NRT contents isdescribed as Content advisory. Information indicating the genre of theNRT contents is described as Genre.

In addition, the URL of the distribution server 70, for example, isdescribed as Internet Location as information for obtaining the NRTcontents distributed via the Internet 90. That is, when the receivingdevice 20 cannot receive the NRT contents transmitted by broadcast wavesfor some reason, the receiving device 20 can refer to the InternetLocation and obtain the NRT contents distributed from the distributionserver 70 via the Internet.

Incidentally, though not described in detail, information on the NRTcontents other than the above-described items can be described in theNRT-IT.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 20, when it is determined in stepS117 that the NRT-IT is not to be transmitted, the process of step S118is skipped, and the process is advanced to step S119.

In step S119, the multiplexing section 117 generates a transport streamby multiplexing the audio stream encoded by the audio encoder 112 andthe video stream encoded by the video encoder 115. However, when theNRT-IT is generated in step S118, the multiplexing section 117 generatesthe transport stream by further multiplexing the NRT-IT in addition tothe audio stream and the video stream.

In step S120, the transmitting section 118 transmits the transportstream generated by the multiplexing section 117 as a broadcast signalvia the antenna 119. The process thereafter is returned to step S111 torepeat the process from step S111 on down.

Incidentally, description has been made of a case where the broadcastcontents are transmitted by the normal broadcast in the transmittingprocess of FIG. 20. However, a basically similar process is executedalso when NRT contents are transmitted by the NRT broadcast. That is,when NRT contents are transmitted by the NRT broadcast, the transmittingdevice 10 transmits the NRT contents by executing the transmittingprocess of FIG. 20 according to a predetermined distribution schedule.

However, in the NRT broadcast, the NRT contents are transmitted using aFLUTE session. In addition, because the trigger information and theNRT-IT do not need to be transmitted, processes related to the triggerinformation and the NRT-IT (S113, S114, S117, and S118) in thetransmitting process of FIG. 20 are not executed. Incidentally, abasically similar process is executed also when the distribution server70 distributes the NRT contents via the Internet, and thereforedescription thereof will be omitted.

That concludes the description of the transmitting process.

(Receiving Process)

A receiving process executed by the receiving device 20 will next bedescribed with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 22.

In step S211, the tuner 212 receives and demodulates a broadcast signalvia the antenna 211.

In step S212, the demultiplexing section 213 separates the transportstream demodulated by the tuner 212 into an audio stream and a videostream.

In step S213, the audio decoder 214 decodes the audio stream separatedby the demultiplexing section 213, and generates an audio signal.

In step S214, the video decoder 217 decodes the video stream separatedby the demultiplexing section 213, and generates a video signal.

In step S215, the speaker 216 outputs audio corresponding to the audiosignal. In addition, the display 219 displays video corresponding to thevideo signal. Thereby, the display 219 displays the video of broadcastcontents such as a television program or the like, and the speaker 216outputs the audio corresponding to the video.

In step S216, the control section 221 determines whether the triggerinformation from the transmitting device 10 is received. When it isdetermined in step S216 that the trigger information is received, theprocess is advanced to step S217.

In step S217, the control section 221 controls the browser 227-1 toexecute a trigger information corresponding process on the basis of thetrigger information. Specifically, the browser 227-1 controls operationsuch as the obtainment and execution (starting) of the TDO application,event firing or ending, and the like under control from the controlsection 221.

When it is determined in step S216 that the trigger information is notreceived, on the other hand, step S217 is skipped, and the process isadvanced to step S218.

In step S218, the control section 221 determines whether the NRT-IT fromthe transmitting device 10 is received. When it is determined in stepS218 that the NRT-IT is received, the process is advanced to step S219.

In step S219, the control section 221 obtains the received NRT-IT, andrecords the NRT-IT in the memory 222. In this case, the NRT-IT shown inFIG. 21 described above is obtained, and is referred to as appropriatewhen a process related to NRT contents is executed.

When it is determined in step S218 that the NRT-IT is not received, orwhen the process of obtaining the NRT-IT in step S219 is ended, theprocess returns to step S211 to repeat the process from step S211 ondown.

That concludes the description of the receiving process.

(NRT Contents Related Process)

An NRT contents related process executed by the receiving device 20 willnext be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 23.

In step S231, the control section 221 determines whether an instructionto start the NDO application is given on the basis of an operatingsignal from the infrared receiving section 224 or the like. When aninstruction to start the NDO application is given, the process isadvanced to step S232.

In step S232, the application obtaining portion 252 controls thecommunication I/F 226 to obtain the NDO application from the applicationserver 40.

In step S233, the application obtaining portion 252 starts the NDOapplication under control from the control portion 251.

In step S234, the event determining portion 253 determines whether apredetermined event has occurred. When it is determined in step S234that no predetermined event has occurred, the determining process ofstep S234 is repeated until a predetermined event occurs. When it isthen determined in step S234 that a predetermined event has occurred,the process is advanced to step S235.

In step S235, the browser 227-1 executes an event corresponding processunder control from the control section 221. In the event correspondingprocess, a function corresponding to the event that has occurred isexecuted. Incidentally, details of the event corresponding process willbe described later with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 24.

When the event corresponding process of step S235 is ended, the processis advanced to step S236. The control section 221 determines in stepS236 whether an instruction to end the NDO application is given on thebasis of an operating signal from the infrared receiving section 224 orthe like.

When it is determined in step S236 that no instruction to end the NDOapplication is given, the process returns to step S234 to repeat theprocess from step S234 on down. When an instruction to end the NDOapplication is given in step S236, the process returns to step S231 torepeat the process from step S231 on down.

That concludes the description of the NRT contents related process.

(Event Corresponding Process)

The event corresponding process corresponding to step S235 in FIG. 23will next be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 24.

In step S251, the event determining portion 253 determines whether aninstruction to reserve a download of NRT contents is given under controlfrom the control portion 251. When it is determined in step S251 that aninstruction to reserve the download is given, the process is advanced tostep S252.

In step S252, the function executing portion 254 executes thegetStorageInfo function described as a script in the NDO application(HTML document for data broadcasting) being executed, under control fromthe control portion 251. Recording space information is obtained byexecuting the getStorageInfo function.

In step S253, the control portion 251 determines whether a sufficientrecording space for recording the NRT contents whose download is to bereserved remains in the recording section 225 on the basis of therecording space information.

When it is determined in step S253 that a sufficient recording space forrecording the NRT contents does not remain, the process is advanced tostep S254. In step S254, the control portion 251 makes a messagedisplayed to an effect that the download of the target NRT contentscannot be reserved because of a shortage of recording space. In thiscase, the download reservation is not made, and the process returns tostep S235 in FIG. 23 to execute the process from step S235 on down.

When it is determined in step S253 that a sufficient recording space forrecording the NRT contents remains, the process is advanced to stepS255. In step S255, the function executing portion 254 executes thereserveNRTContentDownload function described as a script in the NDOapplication (HTML document for data broadcasting) being executed, undercontrol from the control portion 251. When the reserveNRTContentDownloadfunction has been executed, the process is advanced to step S256.

In step S256, the function executing portion 254 determines undercontrol from the control portion 251 whether the NRT-IT periodicallytransmitted from the transmitting device 10 is recorded in the memory222. When it is determined in step S256 that the NRT-IT is recorded, theprocess is advanced to step S257.

In step S257, the function executing portion 254 analyzes the NRT-ITrecorded in the memory 222 under control from the control portion 251.Then, after the analyzing process of step S257 is ended, the process isadvanced to step S258.

In step S258, the function executing portion 254 determines undercontrol from the control portion 251 whether identifying informationidentifying NRT contents included in the NRT-IT and identifyinginformation identifying the NRT contents to be reserved coincide witheach other on the basis of a result of the analysis in step S257. Inthis case, as the identifying information identifying the NRT contents,a Content Linkage described in the NRT-IT and a Content Linkagespecified as an argument of the reserveNRTContentDownload function, forexample, are used.

When it is determined in step S258 that the identifying information asobjects of comparison coincides, the process is advanced to step S259.In step S259, the function executing portion 254 registers a finalreservation for the NRT contents to be reserved which NRT contents areidentified by the Content Linkage specified as the argument of thereserveNRTContentDownload function, under control from the controlportion 251. The control section 221 records information on thereservation in the memory 222.

The final reservation in this case means that a download reservation hasbeen actually made, and is different in meaning from a tentativereservation. That is, a tentative reservation only tentatively reservesthe NRT contents for which a download reservation is expected to bemade, and thereafter a reservation is actually made by further making afinal reservation.

In addition, at this time, the function executing portion 254 registersthe final reservation such that the target NRT contents are downloadedat an earliest distribution time in a distribution schedule determinedby the NRT-IT, under control from the control portion 251. However, atthis time, when there are other NRT contents already reserved, and thedownload time of the other NRT contents overlaps, priority is given tothe existing reservation, and the final reservation is registered suchthat the NRT contents to be reserved will be downloaded at a nextdistribution time.

When it is determined in step S256 that the NRT-IT is not recorded, theprocess is advanced to step S260. In step S260, the function executingportion 254 registers a tentative reservation for the NRT contents to bereserved which NRT contents are identified by the Content Linkagespecified as the argument of the reserveNRTContentDownload functionunder control from the control portion 251. The control section 221records information on the reservation in the memory 222.

It is to be noted that the reservation at this point is a tentativereservation, and that the registration of the tentative reservationtherefore does not guarantee that the download will be surely performed.

After the tentative reservation is registered in step S260, the processis advanced to step S261. In step S261, the function executing portion254 executes the getCurrentNRTIT function described as a script in theNDO application (HTML document for data broadcasting) being executed,under control from the control portion 251.

After the getCurrentNRTIT function is executed in step S261, the controlsection 221 in step S262 obtains the latest NRT-IT currently transmittedby broadcast waves. The latest NRT-IT is recorded in the memory 222.

After the latest NRT-IT is obtained in step S262, the process isadvanced to step S257. In step S257, the function executing portion 254analyzes the newly obtained NRT-IT under control from the controlportion 251. Then, when it is determined in step S258 that theidentifying information identifying the NRT contents coincides, a finalreservation for the NRT contents to be reserved is registered (S259).

When it is determined in step S258 that the identifying informationidentifying the NRT contents does not coincide, the process is advancedto step S263. In step S263, the function executing portion 254determines under control from the control portion 251 whether the NRTcontents to be reserved are already reserved tentatively.

When it is determined in step S263 that the NRT contents to be reservedare reserved tentatively, the process is advanced to step S261. Then,the above-described process of steps S261 and S262 is executed to obtainthe latest NRT-IT. Thereafter, the latest NRT-IT is analyzed again(S257), and whether the registration of a final reservation is possibleis determined (S258).

When it is determined in step S263 that the NRT contents to be reservedare not reserved tentatively, the process is advanced to step S260.Then, a tentative reservation is registered by the above-describedprocess of step S260, and then the latest NRT-IT is obtained by theprocess of steps S261 and S262. Thereafter, as in the above, the latestNRT-IT is analyzed (S257), and whether the registration of a finalreservation is possible is determined (S258).

Specifically, in a case where the NRT-IT of the NRT contents to bereserved has not yet been transmitted by broadcast waves when a downloadreservation is to be made by the reserveNRTContentDownload function, atentative reservation for the NRT contents to be reserved is registered,and the process is ended temporarily. The receiving device 20 thereafterreceives the NRT-IT periodically transmitted from the transmittingdevice 10. Thus, when the newly received and updated NRT-IT includesinformation on the NRT contents to be reserved, a final reservation isregistered such that the NRT contents to be reserved which NRT contentsare reserved tentatively will be downloaded at a predetermineddistribution time.

After the registration of the final reservation is completed in stepS259, the event corresponding process is ended. The process thereafterreturns to step S235 in FIG. 23 to execute the process from step S235 ondown.

The event corresponding process in a case where an event of giving aninstruction to reserve a download of NRT contents has occurred has beendescribed above. When it is determined in step S251 that no instructionto reserve a download of NRT contents is given, the process is advancedto step S264.

In step S264, the event determining portion 253 determines under controlfrom the control portion 251 whether an instruction to cancel areservation for a download of NRT contents is given. When it isdetermined in step S264 that an instruction to cancel the downloadreservation is given, the process is advanced to step S265.

In step S265, the function executing portion 254 executes thecancelNRTContentDownloadReservation function described as a script inthe NDO application (HTML document for data broadcasting) under controlfrom the control portion 251. The execution of thecancelNRTContentDownloadReservation function deletes reservationinformation identified by a Content Linkage specified as an argumentwhich reservation information is included in the reservation informationrecorded in the memory 222, and cancels the reservation for a downloadof the NRT contents for which a final reservation has been registered.

After the download reservation is cancelled in step S265, the eventcorresponding process is ended. The process thereafter returns to stepS235 in FIG. 23 to execute the process from step S235 on down.

The event corresponding process in a case where an event of giving aninstruction to cancel a reservation for a download of NRT contents hasoccurred has been described above. When it is determined in step S264that no instruction to cancel a reservation for a download of NRTcontents is given, the process is advanced to step S266.

In step S266, the event determining portion 253 determines under controlfrom the control portion 251 whether an instruction to reproduce NRTcontents is given. When it is determined in step S266 that aninstruction to reproduce NRT contents is given, the process is advancedto step S267.

In step S267, the function executing portion 254 executes a function forreproducing the NRT contents which function is standardized by apredetermined standard, under control from the control portion 251.

Specifically, in addition to the functions shown in FIGS. 10 to 18described above, functions for executing processes related to NRTcontents are standardized and defined by a predetermined standard. Thefunction executing portion 254 can execute these standardized functions.For example, the CEA 2014 standard defines a Play function for startingthe reproduction of NRT contents, a Stop function for stopping thereproduction of NRT contents being reproduced, a seek function formoving the reproduction position of NRT contents, and the like.

Thus, in this case, the reproduction of the specified NRT contents isstarted by executing the Play function.

After the reproducing process is executed in step S267, the eventcorresponding process is ended. The process thereafter returns to stepS235 in FIG. 23 to execute the process from step S235 on down.

The event corresponding process in a case where an event of giving aninstruction to reproduce NRT contents has occurred has been describedabove. When it is determined in step S266 that no instruction toreproduce NRT contents is given, the process is advanced to step S268.

In step S268, the event determining portion 253 determines under controlfrom the control portion 251 whether an instruction to delete NRTcontents is given. When it is determined in step S268 that aninstruction to delete NRT contents is given, the process is advanced tostep S269.

In step S269, the function executing portion 254 executes thedeleteNRTContent function described as a script in the NDO application(HTML document for data broadcasting) being executed, under control fromthe control portion 251. The execution of the deleteNRTContent functiondeletes, from the recording section 225, the data of the NRT contentsidentified by a Content Linkage specified as an argument amongdownloaded NRT contents recorded in the recording section 225 andrelated information related to the NRT contents identified by theContent Linkage.

After the NRT contents and the related information related to the NRTcontents are deleted in step S269, the event corresponding process isended. The process thereafter returns to step S235 in FIG. 23 to executethe process from step S235 on down.

The event corresponding process in a case where an event of giving aninstruction to delete NRT contents has occurred has been describedabove. When it is determined in step S268 that no instruction to deleteNRT contents is given, the process is advanced to step S270.

In step S270, the function executing portion 254 executes a functionaccording to an event that has occurred in step S234 in FIG. 23 undercontrol from the control portion 251.

Specifically, while a case where the reserveNRTContentDownload function,the getStorageInfo function, the getCurrentNRTIT function, thecancelNRTContentDownloadReservation function, and the deleteNRTContentfunction are executed according to the various kinds of events in theevent corresponding process of FIG. 24 has been described as a concreteexample, other functions not described above are also executed accordingto various kinds of events. For example, the browser 227-1 executes thegetNRTContentDownloadStatus function, the executeNRTContentDownloadfunction, the cancelNRTContentDownload function, or thegetNRTContentInformation function according to the various kinds ofevents.

In addition, the event corresponding process of FIG. 24 is an example,and the functions cited above may be executed according to other eventsthan the above-described events. For example, in the description withreference to FIG. 24, the getStorageInfo function is executed todetermine whether a sufficient recording space remains at a time of adownload reservation. However, the getStorageInfo function may beexecuted in another case, for example, where whether there is arecording space remaining in the recording section 225 is determinedimmediately before a start of a download of NRT contents alreadyreserved or where the available space of the recording section 225 ispresented to the user.

That concludes the description of the event corresponding process.

(Example of Screen Transitions)

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a concrete example of screen transitionswhen the event corresponding process of FIG. 24 is executed.

As shown in FIG. 25, when the event D in FIG. 6 has occurred, the NDOapplication is received from the application server 40, and UI101 of theNDO application is displayed on the display 219. UI101 is a menu screenthat presents items for executing various kinds of processes related toNRT contents. The items “RESERVE DOWNLOAD,” “CANCEL DOWNLOADRESERVATION,” “REPRODUCE NRT CONTENTS,” and “DELETE NRT CONTENTS” aredisplayed on UI101.

When “RESERVE DOWNLOAD” is selected on UI101, U1111 is displayed. UI111displays “AAA” and “BBB” as NRT contents that can be reserved. Inaddition, the reserveNRTContentDownload function is described in aSCRIPT element in the NDO application (HTML document for databroadcasting).

In this case, for example, when the user selects “AAA” by operating theremote control 20R, the reserveNRTContentDownload function is executedwith the Content Linkage of “AAA” as an argument. Thereby, the eventcorresponding process in the case where an instruction to reserve adownload of NRT contents is given (steps S251 to S263 in FIG. 24) isexecuted, and a final reservation for “AAA” is registered. When theregistration of the final reservation is completed, UI112 is displayed.

In addition, when “CANCEL DOWNLOAD RESERVATION” is selected on UI101,UI121 is displayed. UI121 displays “CCC” and “DDD” as NRT contents whosedownload has been reserved. In addition, thecancelNRTContentDownloadReservation function is described in a SCRIPTelement in the NDO application (HTML document for data broadcasting).

In this case, for example, when the user selects “CCC” by operating theremote control 20R, the cancelNRTContentDownloadReservation function isexecuted with the Content Linkage of “CCC” as an argument. Thereby, theevent corresponding process in the case where an instruction to cancel areservation for a download of NRT contents is given (steps S264 to S265in FIG. 24) is executed, and a reservation for a download of “CCC” iscancelled. When the cancellation of the registration of the finalreservation is completed, UI122 is displayed.

In addition, when “REPRODUCE NRT CONTENTS” is selected on UI101, UI131is displayed. UI131 displays “EEE” and “FFF” as NRT contents that can bereproduced.

In this case, for example, when the user selects “EEE” by operating theremote control 20R, the Play function standardized by the CEA 2014standard is executed. Thereby, the event corresponding process in thecase where an instruction to reproduce NRT contents is given (steps S266to S267 in FIG. 24) is executed, and “EEE” is reproduced. When thereproduction of “EEE” is started, UI132 is displayed.

Further, when “DELETE NRT CONTENTS” is selected on UI101, UI141 isdisplayed. UI141 displays “GGG” and “HHH” as downloaded NRT contents. Inaddition, the deleteNRTContent function is described in a SCRIPT elementin the NDO application (HTML document for data broadcasting).

In this case, for example, when the user selects “GGG” by operating theremote control 20R, the deleteNRTContent function is executed with theContent Linkage of “GGG” as an argument. Thereby, the eventcorresponding process in the case where an instruction to delete NRTcontents is given (steps S268 to S269 in FIG. 24) is executed, and “GGG”is deleted from the recording section 225. When the deletion of “GGG” iscompleted, UI142 is displayed.

The screen transitions at the times of executing the event correspondingprocess are made as described above.

(Process of Downloading NRT Contents)

A process of downloading NRT contents which process is executed by thereceiving device 20 will next be described with reference to a flowchartof FIG. 26.

In step S291, the control section 221 determines whether the reservationstarting time of NRT contents for which a final reservation has beenregistered has arrived, referring to reservation information recorded inthe memory 222. Incidentally, this reservation starting time isidentified by the Distribution start/end time described in the NRT-IT.Then, after waiting until the reservation starting time of the NRTcontents arrives, the process is advanced to step S292.

In step S292, the control section 221 controls the tuner 212 to downloadthe target NRT contents transmitted by broadcast waves using a FLUTEsession.

Specifically, a transport stream demodulated by the tuner 212 isdemultiplexed by the demultiplexing section 213, and recorded in therecording section 225. Incidentally, various kinds of relatedinformation are also recorded in the recording section 225 together withthe NRT contents.

After the download of the NRT contents is ended, the process is advancedto step S293. In step S293, the control section 221 determines whetherthe download of the NRT contents whose download was started after thereservation starting time passed has succeeded.

When it is determined in step S293 that the download of the NRT contentshas failed, the process is advanced to step S294. In step S294, thecontrol section 221 controls the communication I/F 226 to download theNRT contents distributed via the Internet by the distribution server 70.Incidentally, the URL of the distribution server 70 can be obtained fromthe Internet Location described in the NRT-IT.

Specifically, the data of the audio stream and the video stream of theNRT contents received by the communication I/F 226 is recorded in therecording section 225. That is, even if the NRT contents transmitted bybroadcast waves cannot be received, the NRT contents distributed via theInternet by the distribution server 70 can be received. Thereby thereceiving device 20 can surely download the NRT contents.

When it is determined in step S293 that the download of the NRT contentshas succeeded, the process of step S294 is skipped. Then, after theprocess of step S294 is ended, the process returns to step S291 torepeat the process from step S291 on down.

Incidentally, when downloads of two or more NRT contents are reserved,the process of steps S291 to S294 is repeated to download all of the NRTcontents whose reservation starting times have passed.

In addition, the download process of FIG. 26 is realized by theexecution of a so-called resident application by the control section221.

That concludes the description of the NRT content download process.

(Process of Distributing NDO Application)

A process of distributing the NDO application which process is executedby the application server 40 will next be described with reference to aflowchart of FIG. 27.

In step S311, the application generating section 412 generates the NDOapplication under control from the control section 411. In step S312,the application generating section 412 records the generated NDOapplication in the recording section 413 under control from the controlsection 411.

Specifically, the NDO application is created as an HTML document fordata broadcasting which HTML document is composed of various kinds oftext and material data or the like, and is further embedded withfunctions for executing processes related to NRT contents as scriptsaccording to uses of the NDO application. That is, when the producer ofthe NDO application desires to embed a process related to NRT contents,the producer of the NDO application can realize the function of theprocess by using a function defined as a common control system.

In step S313, the control section 411 determines whether the NDOapplication is requested by the receiving device 20 by monitoring thecommunication I/F 414. After waiting for a request from the receivingdevice 20 in step S313, the process is advanced to step S314.

In step S314, the control section 411 obtains the NDO applicationcorresponding to the request from the receiving device 20 from therecording section 413. In step S315, the control section 411 controlsthe communication I/F 414 to transmit the obtained NDO application tothe receiving device 20.

After the transmitting process of step S315 is ended, the processreturns to step S313 to repeat the process from step S313 on down.

That concludes the description of the NDO application distributingprocess.

As described above, the present technology can provide a common controlsystem for controlling NRT contents by defining the functions of FIGS.10 to 18.

<Examples of Modification>

Incidentally, the above description has been made supposing that thefunctions of FIGS. 10 to 18 are described as a script in the NDOapplication (HTML document for data broadcasting). However, similarfunctions can be provided also when the functions of FIGS. 10 to 18 aredescribed as a script in an HTML document for data broadcasting such asthe TDO application, the PDO application, or the like.

In addition, the above description has been made by taking JavaScript(registered trademark) as an example of a script language. However,another script language or a computer language may be used. Further, theabove description has been made supposing that the TDO, the NDO, and thePDO are composed of an HTML document. However, the TDO, the NDO, and thePDO may be composed of a description document described in anothercomputer language.

In addition, the above description has been made centering on an examplein which the TDO application, the NDO application, and the PDOapplication are provided from the application servers via the Internet90. However, the TDO application, the NDO application, and the PDOapplication may be transmitted by broadcast waves using a FLUTE session.In addition, broadcast contents transmitted from the transmitting device10 by the normal broadcast may be distributed as communication contentsvia the Internet from a distribution server (not shown) connected to theInternet 90. Incidentally, in the above description, the “DO” of theTDO, the NDO, and the PDO is described as an abbreviation for“Declarative Object.” However, the “DO” of the TDO, the NDO, and the PDOmay also be an abbreviation for “Downloadable Object.”

Further, the above description has been made supposing that thereceiving device 20 is a television receiver. However, the receivingdevice 20 is not limited to this. For example, the receiving device 20may be configured without a display or a speaker so that the functionsthereof are incorporated into an electronic device such as a videorecorder or the like.

<Description of Computer to which Present Technology is Applied>

The series of processes described above can be carried out not only byhardware but also by software. When the series of processes is to becarried out by software, a program constituting the software isinstalled onto a computer. The computer includes a computer incorporatedin dedicated hardware, for example a general-purpose personal computerthat can perform various kinds of functions by installing various kindsof programs thereon, and the like.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing an example of hardware configurationof a computer executing the series of processes described above by aprogram.

In the computer 900, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 901, a ROM (ReadOnly Memory) 902, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 903 areinterconnected by a bus 904.

The bus 904 is further connected with an input-output interface 905. Theinput-output interface 905 is connected with an input section 906, anoutput section 907, a storage section 908, a communicating section 909,and a drive 910.

The input section 906 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, andthe like. The output section 907 includes a display, a speaker, and thelike. The storage section 908 includes a hard disk, a nonvolatilememory, and the like. The communicating section 909 includes a networkinterface and the like. The drive 910 drives a removable medium 911 suchas a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, asemiconductor memory, or the like.

In the computer 900 configured as described above, the CPU 901 forexample loads a program stored in the storage section 908 into the RAM903 via the input-output interface 905 and the bus 904, and thenexecutes the program. Thereby the series of processes described above isexecuted.

The program executed by the computer 900 (CPU 901) can be for exampleprovided in a state of being recorded on the removable medium 911 as apackaged medium or the like. In addition, the program can be providedvia a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local areanetwork, the Internet, digital satellite broadcasting, or the like.

In the computer 900, the program can be installed into the storagesection 908 via the input-output interface 905 by loading the removablemedium 911 into the drive 910. In addition, the program can be receivedby the communicating section 909 via a wired or wireless transmissionmedium and installed into the storage section 908. Further, the programcan be installed in the ROM 902 or the storage section 908 in advance.

Incidentally, the program executed by the computer 900 may be a programfor executing the processes in time series in the order described in thepresent specification, or may be a program for executing the processesin parallel or in necessary timing such as at a time of a call beingmade, for example.

In the present specification, the process steps describing the programfor making the computer 900 execute the various kinds of processes donot necessarily need to be processed in time series in the orderdescribed in the flowcharts, but include processes executed in parallelor individually (for example parallel processing or processing accordingto an object).

In addition, the program may be processed by one computer, or may beprocessed by distributed processing by a plurality of computers.Further, the program may be transferred to a remote computer andexecuted by the remote computer.

Further, in the present specification, a system refers to a set of aplurality of constituent elements (devices, modules (parts), and thelike), regardless of whether or not all the constituent elements arepresent in a same casing. Thus, a plurality of devices housed inseparate casings and connected to each other via a network and onedevice formed by housing a plurality of modules in one casing are each asystem.

It is to be noted that embodiments of the present technology are notlimited to the foregoing embodiments, and that various changes can bemade without departing from the spirit of the present technology.

For example, the present technology can adopt a configuration of cloudcomputing in which one function is shared and handled jointly by aplurality of devices via a network.

In addition, each of the steps described in the foregoing flowcharts canbe not only performed by one device but also shared and performed by aplurality of devices.

Further, when one step includes a plurality of processes, the pluralityof processes included in the one step can be not only executed by onedevice but also shared and executed by a plurality of devices.

Incidentally, the present technology can adopt the followingconstitutions.

(1) A receiving device including:

a first receiving section configured to receive AV contents capable of adownload reservation and transmitted in non-real time;

a recording section configured to record the AV contents that have beendownloaded;

an obtaining section configured to obtain an application program forexecuting a process related to the AV contents; and

an executing section configured to execute the process related to the AVcontents on a basis of control information included in the applicationprogram.

(2) The receiving device according to (1),

wherein when a predetermined event has occurred during execution of theapplication program, the executing section executes the process relatedto the AV contents according to the event that has occurred.

(3) The receiving device according to (2),

wherein the control information is a function for reserving a downloadof the AV contents, and

when the AV contents whose download is to be reserved are specified, theexecuting section reserves a download of the specified AV contents.

(4) The receiving device according to (3),

wherein the control information is a function for cancelling areservation for a download of the AV contents, and

when the AV contents to be cancelled are specified, the executingsection cancels the reservation for a download of the specified AVcontents.

(5) The receiving device according to (2) or (3),

wherein the control information is a function for obtaining a downloadstate of the AV contents whose download is reserved, and

when an instruction to obtain the download state is given, the executingsection obtains the download state.

(6) The receiving device according to any one of (2) to (5),

wherein the control information is a function for obtaining detailedinformation on the downloaded AV contents, and

when an instruction to obtain the detailed information is given, theexecuting section obtains the detailed information.

(7) The receiving device according to any one of (2) to (6),

wherein the control information is a function for performing animmediate download of the AV contents, and

when the immediate download of the AV contents whose download is to bereserved is specified, the executing section performs the specifiedimmediate download of the AV contents.

(8) The receiving device according to any one of (2) to (7),

wherein the control information is a function for stopping a download ofthe AV contents, and

when an instruction to stop the download of the AV contents is given,the executing section stops the download of the AV contents.

(9) The receiving device according to any one of (2) to (8),

wherein the control information is a function for deleting thedownloaded AV contents and related information related to the AVcontents, and

when the AV contents to be deleted are specified, the executing sectiondeletes the specified AV contents and the related information.

(10) The receiving device according to any one of (2) to (9),

wherein the control information is a function for updating downloadinformation on a download of the AV contents, the download informationbeing transmitted periodically together with the AV contents, and

when an instruction to update the download information is given, theexecuting section obtains and updates the download information.

(11) The receiving device according to any one of (2) to (10),

wherein the control information is a function for obtaining recordingspace information on a recording space of the recording section, and

when an instruction to obtain the recording space information is given,the executing section obtains the recording space information.

(12) The receiving device according to any one of (1) to (11),

wherein the application program is an HTML document described in HTML(Hyper Text Markup Language), and

the control information is a function described as a script in the HTMLdocument.

(13) The receiving device according to (12),

wherein the obtaining section obtains the HTML document transmitted froman information processing device managed by another entity than anentity providing the AV contents.

(14) The receiving device according to (1),

wherein the first receiving section receives the AV contents transmittedby broadcast waves.

(15) The receiving device according to (14), further including a secondreceiving section configured to receive the AV contents distributed viathe Internet when the AV contents transmitted by the broadcast wavescannot be received.

(16) The receiving device according to (2),

wherein the executing section identifies the target AV contents byidentifying information identifying the AV contents, the identifyinginformation being included in download information on a download of theAV contents, the download information being transmitted periodicallytogether with the AV contents.

(17) The receiving device according to (16),

wherein the download information is an NRT-IT (Non Real Time InformationTable), and

the identifying information is a Content Linkage included in the NRT-IT.

(18) A receiving method of a receiving device, the receiving methodincluding the steps of:

in the receiving device,

receiving AV contents capable of a download reservation and transmittedin non-real time;

controlling recording of the AV contents that have been downloaded in arecording section;

obtaining an application program for executing a process related to theAV contents; and

executing the process related to the AV contents on a basis of controlinformation included in the application program.

(19) A transmitting device including:

a generating section configured to generate an application programincluding control information for executing a process related to AVcontents capable of a download reservation and transmitted in non-realtime; and

a transmitting section configured to transmit the application program.

(20) A transmitting method of a transmitting device, the transmittingmethod including the steps of:

in the transmitting device,

generating an application program including control information forexecuting a process related to AV contents capable of a downloadreservation and transmitted in non-real time; and

transmitting the application program.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alternations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalent thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A receiving device comprising: a first receivingsection configured to receive audio visual contents capable of adownload reservation and transmitted in non-real time; a recordingsection configured to record the audio visual contents that have beendownloaded; an obtaining section configured to obtain an applicationprogram for executing a process related to the audio visual contents;and an executing section configured to execute the process related tothe audio visual contents on a basis of control information included inthe application program.
 2. The receiving device according to claim 1,wherein when a predetermined event has occurred during execution of theapplication program, the executing section executes the process relatedto the audio visual contents according to the event that has occurred.3. The receiving device according to claim 2, wherein the controlinformation is a function for reserving a download of the audio visualcontents, and when the audio visual contents whose download is to bereserved are specified, the executing section reserves a download of thespecified audio visual contents.
 4. The receiving device according toclaim 3, wherein the control information is a function for cancelling areservation for a download of the audio visual contents, and when theaudio visual contents to be cancelled are specified, the executingsection cancels the reservation for a download of the specified audiovisual contents.
 5. The receiving device according to claim 2, whereinthe control information is a function for obtaining a download state ofthe audio visual contents whose download is reserved, and when aninstruction to obtain the download state is given, the executing sectionobtains the download state.
 6. The receiving device according to claim2, wherein the control information is a function for obtaining detailedinformation on the downloaded audio visual contents, and when aninstruction to obtain the detailed information is given, the executingsection obtains the detailed information.
 7. The receiving deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein the control information is a function forperforming an immediate download of the audio visual contents, and whenthe immediate download of the audio visual contents whose download is tobe reserved is instructed, the executing section performs the instructedimmediate download of the audio visual contents.
 8. The receiving deviceaccording to claim 7, wherein the control information is a function forstopping a download of the audio visual contents, and when aninstruction to stop the download of the audio visual contents is given,the executing section stops the download of the audio visual contents.9. The receiving device according to claim 2, wherein the controlinformation is a function for deleting the downloaded audio visualcontents and related information related to the audio visual contents,and when the audio visual contents to be deleted are specified, theexecuting section deletes the specified audio visual contents and therelated information.
 10. The receiving device according to claim 2,wherein the control information is a function for updating downloadinformation on a download of the audio visual contents, the downloadinformation being transmitted periodically together with the audiovisual contents, and when an instruction to update the downloadinformation is given, the executing section obtains and updates thedownload information.
 11. The receiving device according to claim 2,wherein the control information is a function for obtaining recordingspace information on a recording space of the recording section, andwhen an instruction to obtain the recording space information is given,the executing section obtains the recording space information.
 12. Thereceiving device according to claim 1, wherein the application programis a Hyper Text Markup Language document described in Hyper Text MarkupLanguage, and the control information is a function described as ascript in the HTML document.
 13. The receiving device according to claim12, wherein the obtaining section obtains the Hyper Text Markup Languagedocument transmitted from an information processing device managed byanother entity than an entity providing the audio visual contents. 14.The receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the first receivingsection receives the audio visual contents transmitted by broadcastwaves.
 15. The receiving device according to claim 14, furthercomprising a second receiving section configured to receive the audiovisual contents distributed via the Internet when the audio visualcontents transmitted by the broadcast waves cannot be received.
 16. Thereceiving device according to claim 2, wherein the executing sectionidentifies the target audio visual contents by identifying informationidentifying the audio visual contents, the identifying information beingincluded in download information on a download of the audio visualcontents, the download information being transmitted periodicallytogether with the audio visual contents.
 17. The receiving deviceaccording to claim 16, wherein the download information is an Non RealTime Information Table, and the identifying information is a ContentLinkage included in the Non Real Time Information Table.
 18. A receivingmethod of a receiving device, the receiving method comprising the stepsof: in the receiving device, receiving audio visual contents capable ofa download reservation and transmitted in non-real time; controllingrecording of the audio visual contents that have been downloaded in arecording section; obtaining an application program for executing aprocess related to the audio visual contents; and controlling executionof the process related to the audio visual contents on a basis ofcontrol information included in the application program.
 19. Atransmitting device comprising: a generating section configured togenerate an application program including control information forexecuting a process related to audio visual contents capable of adownload reservation and transmitted in non-real time; and atransmitting section configured to transmit the application program. 20.A transmitting method of a transmitting device, the transmitting methodcomprising the steps of: in the transmitting device, generating anapplication program including control information for executing aprocess related to audio visual contents capable of a downloadreservation and transmitted in non-real time; and transmitting theapplication program.